KEIGHLEY Rugby Union Club's under-14 squad had some bruised and battered bodies from an action-packed weekend tour to Scotland but emerged from it tired but happy.

With a lot of the squad having played together since they were under-nines, the tourists were able to let off some steam at a coaching session at Glasgow Warriors' Scotstoun Stadium before watching the televised PRO 12 match between the Warriors and Cardiff Blues, which the hosts won 36-17.

There was an early start on the Saturday morning with team-building activities at Fordell Firs National Scout Activity Camp in Dunfermline before heading off for their first match of the tour at Stirling County.

Using 'home rules', which didn't play to Keighley's strengths, the large and capable Stirling squad won 26-7 before the Keighley youngsters, coaches and parents took part in fancy dress, the animal theme giving rise to some great banter between the squads.

There was then a long Sunday morning drive to Ardrossan on the west coast, where all four seasons were combined, including hail, sun, snow and wind.

Keighley put a combined Ardrossan and Irvine squad well and truly to the sword, with the only try they conceded being scored by a Keighley player as the teams mixed and matched.

Steve Welch, head coach and club coaching co-ordinator for Keighley, said: "We do believe that once again we have achieved what we set out to do.

"Our young players have had an experience they will hopefully remember for the rest of their lives and will inspire them to greater things. Next stop Ireland in 2016."

Also on tour were Darlington's Minis, who visited Keighley on the last leg of their touring weekend.

They arrived with a squad of 42 boys and girls, ranging in age from under-sevens to under-11s, being greeted by a human funnel created by Keighley players from all age groups.

The results were a mixture of draws, wins and losses for the Keighley sides, but spirits were high as the team camaraderie continued in the clubhouse with food and games before the tourists headed back to Darlington.

Darlington RFC's Andrew Gunnell said: “The efforts of the whole Keighley club to make us feel welcome were exceptional from start to finish, and the atmosphere in the clubhouse after some keenly contested games, was pure rugby."

Keighley's under-11s and under-12s team manager Sarah Worstead said: “It was a pleasure to host our first touring club for the minis section at Keighley RUFC.

"The day was enjoyed by all and we look forward to many more opportunities in the future."